Having an abortion is a serious decision. Are the risks of the abortion pill worth it? What are the real risks for me? These are valid questions that could be racing through your mind as you consider the option of abortion. You deserve to know the potential risks and how the abortion pill could affect you.
What Is the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill, used in what’s called medication abortion, works to terminate a pregnancy with two types of abortion drugs. The first drug, Mifepristone, blocks the progesterone hormone and thins the uterus, preventing the embryo from growing. Misoprostol, the second drug, causes the uterus to contract and release the pregnancy through the vagina. This medication abortion procedure is only for women up to 10 weeks pregnant.
The Risks of the Abortion Pill
With the abortion pill comes potential risks. Some common risks include:
1. An Incomplete abortion
One of the many risks of the abortion pill is an incomplete abortion which will need to be followed by surgical abortion. Some signs of incomplete abortion are heavy and prolonged vaginal bleeding, intense cramps, and dilatation of the cervical canal.
An incomplete abortion happens when there are contents of the pregnancy still remaining within the uterus, and need immediate attention to prevent infection or worse.
2. Heavy and prolonged bleeding
Severe bleeding after taking the abortion pill is not normal. Bleeding that needs immediate medical attention include:
- Passing clots that are bigger than a golf ball, lasting 2 or more hours.
- Soaking more than 2 large sanitary pads in an hour, for 2 hours in a row.
- Bleeding heavily for 12 hours in a row.
3. Infection
Signs of infection after a medication abortion include headaches, muscle aches, dizziness, or the constant feeling of illness. Infection is also possible without having a fever. Infections can cause serious problems if not treated right away.
4. Pain
If there is consistent pelvic pain after a medication abortion, medical attention is needed. The most common reason for severe pain after medication abortion is a bacterial infection. Other reasons for pain could include blood clots or remaining tissue within the uterus. Medical help will be needed right away.
Know All Your Options
Learn more about abortion and all your pregnancy options today to get the answers you need to make a decision. You are not alone.
Schedule a free and confidential appointment today to talk more.